Cumberland Man Involved in Fatal Accident

(Hagerstown, MD) – The Maryland State Police are investigating a single vehicle collision that resulted in a single fatality.

On 5/8/2014 at approximately 1300 hours, Troopers along with various Fire Departments and EMS companies responded to E/B I 70 at the 21mm for a motor vehicle collision.

The initial investigation revealed that 75 year old Ernest Jones of Cumberland, MD was driving a rented 2013 Kia Soul eastbound on I-70 in the right lane. Mr. Jones was distracted and did not observe that traffic had stopped on the interstate due to construction at the Conococheague Creek Bridge. Upon approaching the stopped traffic, Mr. Jones swerved onto the right shoulder. The vehicle then entered the grass and traveled up an embankment where it struck a log and a small tree. The vehicle rolled several times, during which the unrestrained female front seat passenger was ejected. The female, Helen Rose 40 yoa of Virginia, was flown to Meritus Medical Center by Maryland State Police Helicopter Trooper 3 where she succumbed to her injuries.

The initial investigation is being conducted by S/Tpr Pittman of the Hagerstown Barrack. The Interstate was closed for approximately 2 1/2 hours, reopening at 3:30pm.